Jillaroos recover from early deficit to book World Cup decider
Abbi Church scored four tries in Australia's 30-14 victory over Fiji, with New Zealand awaiting in the final.
Australia will face New Zealand for the Rugby League World Cup title after overcoming an early 8-0 deficit against Fiji. The Jillaroos won their semi-final 30-14, with Abbi Church contributing four tries.
Fiji established their advantage inside 20 minutes. Not since the 2013 World Cup final had an opponent scored first against Australia, but the Jillaroos were back on equal terms by the interval.
Tamika Upton provided the pass for Church to score in the corner, then claimed a try herself four minutes later. Three more tries from Church after half-time helped Australia reach a fifth successive World Cup final.
The second-half return of Fiji captain Sereana Naitokatoka helped her side challenge again, with Maria Paseka adding a try. Jaime Chapman also crossed for Australia before spending the end of the match on the bench.
The Australian team said Chapman had suffered severe cramping. She later said she was fine, with ice applied to her leg as a precaution. Centre Jess Sergis finished the match despite appearing to have a leg problem.
Captain Isabelle Kelly praised Fiji's physical challenge. Church acknowledged there had been nerves and said Australia needed to return to their systems, put errors behind them and simplify their play.
